AceShowbiz - Jessica Chastain, the 47-year-old Oscar-winning actress known for her powerful performances in films like "Interstellar" and "The Help," recently revealed that her beloved grandmother Marilyn Herst has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Chastain made the announcement on Instagram on October 11, urging her fans to prioritize their health and schedule mammogram screenings.

"My beautiful grandma Marilyn, who many of you have met at different events, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer," Chastain wrote. "This week, I flew to meet with her amazing doctors and surgeons who are providing her the best possible care. I'm beyond grateful to the incredible hospital staff."

Emphasizing her grandmother's resilience, Chastain added, "She's a total badass, and I know she'll get through this."

In her post, Chastain also highlighted October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, echoing her grandmother's plea for others to get checked. "In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she asked me to remind all of you: schedule your mammogram today. You are so important to so many people - please make this a priority. #BreastCancerAwareness #GetChecked #EarlyDetection"

The Instagram post, which included a video, showed Marilyn Herst in a hospital gown, sharing the story of how she discovered the cancer early. "I felt a small, tiny thing in my breast. I did mention it in my annual physical, and had my mammogram, and I am being treated now for positive breast cancer."

Marilyn expressed her gratitude for the early detection, stating, "I feel so grateful for the fact that I found it so early because it's so treatable. But if you don't take care of yourself and check yourself or even have your regular mammograms, you may not catch it early, and it may not help you. So I really want you to go out and do that. Please, for me?"

Chastain has always been close to her grandmother and has previously shared humorous and touching anecdotes about Marilyn. She recalled a particularly funny incident during an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," where her grandmother sat on fellow actor Bradley Cooper's lap at a party.

The actress also shared that her grandmother played a significant role in inspiring her to pursue acting as a career. She had taken young Jessica to a professional theatre company, igniting her passion for the stage.

Chastain's heartfelt message serves as a critical reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups and early detection, especially as it relates to breast cancer. Her call to action, fueled by personal experience, is a compelling reminder for everyone to prioritize their health.